Air Fryer Fried Chicken KFC Copycat

A deliciously moist and authentic copycat KFC Chicken recipe. This Air Fryer fried chicken is golden brown and delicious. It’s soaked in buttermilk for delicious Southern flavor.

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KFC Copycat Air Fryer Fried Chicken

It’s no surprise that fried chicken is one of America’s favorite comfort foods. However, it can be hard to find a restaurant or fast food joint that offers air fryer chicken.

The good news is you don’t have to wait for your next vacation to get your hands on some crispy, juicy air fryer chicken!

Who doesn’t love Kentucky Fried Chicken? For years, people have been trying to copycat KFC Fried Chicken. Well, this is about the closest you are going to get.

I’ve heard of some saying there is a copycat recipe out there that tastes nothing like KFC. However, this air fryer Fried Chicken tastes just like it because if it didn’t, my husband wouldn’t eat it. He’s fussy like that. lol

This Air Fryer fried chicken is a healthier and easier version of traditional fried chicken. Soaked in buttermilk, covered in seasoned flour, and air-fried to perfection.

These days with time constraints and kids’ schedules to contend with, cooking an entire meal can seem like a daunting task.

But what if you could make your favorite fried chicken in less time than it takes to preheat the oven? This is where the air fryer comes in handy!

Air frying is a healthy way of cooking, no guilt here! And because air frying doesn’t use any oil at all, after only ten minutes of cooking you’ll have delicious fried food without worrying about grease splattering everywhere.

KFC Spice Blend Ingredients:

• chicken drumsticks or thighs
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Celery salt
• Black pepper
• Dried mustard
• Paprika
• Garlic salt
• Ground ginger
• White pepper
• Oil of choice (peanut or vegetable oil) (for deep frying version)
• For exact amounts, please see the recipe card below.

What’s the hype about Air Fryers?

In the last few years, air fryers have been gaining momentum as a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

Air frying is a cooking technique that cooks food by circulating hot air around it with a fan.

It’s also easier than using an oven since there’s no need to preheat anything – you can just throw your items into an air fryer basket and cook them up.

The best part of this cooking method is that it reduces the amount of time needed to make your favorite fried foods like French fries, onion rings, wings, and more!

What can you cook in an air fryer?

You can cook just about anything in them, from meat and vegetables to desserts!

The list includes chicken wings, french fries, and onion rings and so much more. My air fryer sits on my counter all the time.

I use it from breakfast through dinner for pretty much everything. There really isn’t anything that you can’t put in it.

How to Make KFC Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer

Soak the chicken legs in buttermilk for up to 24 hours before starting this recipe.

Place the eggs in one bowl and the flour and spices in a second bowl. Stir the spices well into the flour and beat the eggs.

Place an oven-safe cooling rack over top of a baking sheet.

Remove chicken one piece at a time from the buttermilk.

Dredge each chicken leg in the flour, then the eggs, and then the flour once again.

Put the coated drumstick on the cooling rack and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Preheat air fryer to 390°.

Place Parchment round in the bottom of air fryer so the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Lay chicken in a single layer in Ninja Foodi or Air Fryer so the pieces aren’t touching.

Air Fry for 13 minutes. Flip over. If there are any dry spots where the flour is showing, you can spritz with olive oil. Fry for another 13 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature is 165°. If not then cook for 5 minutes at a time until done.

Enjoy!

Deep Fried and Oven Fried Chicken Directions

Preheat oven to 300F

Soak the chicken legs in buttermilk for up to 24 hours before starting this recipe.

Break the eggs in one bowl and the flour and spices in a second bowl. Stir the spices well into the flour and beat the eggs.

Place an oven-safe cooling rack over top of a baking sheet – this will serve two purposes during your recipe.

Remove chicken one piece at a time from the buttermilk.

Dredge each chicken leg in the flour, then the eggs, and then the flour once again.

 Place the coated drumstick on the cooling rack and repeat with the remaining chicken.

 Pour your oil in a large dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. (You can alternatively use a deep fryer.)

Fry the chicken legs in batches of 3 for 2-4 minutes until the coating is golden.

 Remove the chicken to the cooling rack and repeat with the remaining chicken.

If You are Baking in the Oven

Follow steps and instead of frying in oil, place in oven to bake.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until an inserted thermometer reads 165F.

With this recipe, you’ll be able to make your own delicious KFC-style fried chicken right in the comfort of your kitchen. Just follow along with these detailed instructions and enjoy all the flavors of the Colonel without any hassle!

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